Home Media statements A new chapter begins: Anwar’s cabinet must prioritise people over politics

A new chapter begins: Anwar’s cabinet must prioritise people over politics

There are outstanding and urgent matters that the new government needs to tackle

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Aliran congratulates Anwar Ibrahim for being chosen as the country’s 10th prime minister and welcomes the formation of the unity government.

It is an occasion to rejoice, especially after days of an emotional rollercoaster experienced by many ordinary people, who bore witness to the intense scrambling for Putrajaya between Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional.

But more than that, the breakthrough in the political impasse should open up a new chapter in our political history – one where opposing political coalitions are expected to put aside their differences for the betterment of the country and its people.

The people and their concerns must be prioritised over politics, which is what Aliran and over 50 other NGOs had advocated for in our People’s Agenda.

There are outstanding and urgent matters that the new government needs to tackle: the sluggish economy, the rising cost of living, underemployment and unemployment, poverty, unequal development, and shortcomings in the quality of education and public healthcare. All these require swift and adequate attention.

This means that ministries – especially key portfolios such as finance; international trade and industry; family, women and community development; healthcare, education, and rural and national development – must be led by competent ministers.

Over the years, and especially in the run-up to the recent general election, we have witnessed our society being divided by the politics of race and religion. Hate speech has grown rampant lately.

Our divided nation desperately needs healing, and this requires the conscious efforts of the government and communities to build bridges.

READ MORE:  'Addendum' pengampunan Najib: Anwar perlu jelaskan kepada rakyat

Anwar and his team have a lot on their plate. They must have a common purpose to rebuild the nation, given that they come from different political backgrounds.

Our collective future must not be squandered by relentless politicking or political sabotage in midstream.

Aliran executive committee
24 November 2022

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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Venkiteswaran Sankar
Venkiteswaran Sankar
25 Nov 2022 11.10am

I endorse fully the views of Aliran’s ExCo. I have the following additional comments to offer for the sake of civilised debate/comment:
1.Politics and religion should not be allowed to partner each other. Unfortunately this is a reality in Malaysia as at least 1 Religious centric party is operating freely within the country.
2.very firm and strict KPI’s should be in place for all public discussion on race and religion. A few of our past leaders have been given too much leeway to express their views even where these are not endorsed by their party!
3.Citizenship is a prized and treasured thing. This should only be given out after strict trial and examination. In the past it appears that these were given out as an expedient gimmick.

Stephen Tan Ban Cheng
Stephen Tan Ban Cheng
24 Nov 2022 8.52pm

Perhaps, it is about time that our Prime Minister addresses our nation
in an annual State of the Federation in our Parliament.

This will enable him to take the rakyat into his confidence. He should
tell the rakyat which of the so many parties, acting alone or in
combination with the identified other,s are performing in pursuit of
the national interest.

He should also tell the rakyat which of these parties, acting alone or
in combination with the identified others, are applying what kind of
pressures and for what purposes, whether it suits the nation or not.

Even the kind of his government’s response should be told so that
the rakyat can make a more informed choice come the next election.

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